Paralyzed Veterans of America

The Veterans Affairs Department once again needs congressional authority to transfer funds from one account to another to keep the Veterans Choice Program running for the rest of fiscal 2017. VA Secretary David Shulkin says the issue emphasizes the need to redesign the program, yet Congress has its concerns about the viability of Choice in the near and long term future.

House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) said the legislation he recently introduced that sets up a BRAC-style commission to review medical facilities at the Veterans Affairs Department marks the beginning of a long conversation on the topic.

The Veterans Affairs Department is expected to run out of funding in the VA Choice Program by the end of 2017. VA Secretary David Shulkin called on lawmakers to find some solution by year-end, even if it’s a temporary one.